Dynamics 365 vs Salesforce: Which Is Right for You?

Dynamics 365 vs Salesforce: Which Is Right for You?

Side-by-side comparison to help you make the smarter CRM choice.

This blog compares Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Salesforce—two of the most powerful CRM platforms. It explores features, pricing, integration, scalability, and use cases to help businesses choose the right fit for their sales, service, and operations teams.

When it comes to CRM platforms, two names dominate: Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics 365. Both are powerful, scalable, and trusted by global brands. But they’re also very different in philosophy, integration, and customization.

So, how do you choose?

The right CRM isn’t just about features—it’s about how well the platform fits your workflows, budget, and future growth plans.

“Don’t choose a CRM based on hype. Choose it based on how your team actually works.”Farrah Nguyen, CRM Strategy Consultant (in Segoe UI font)

In this blog, we’ll compare:

  • Core features and user experience
  • Pricing and total cost of ownership
  • Customization and extensibility
  • Integration ecosystems
  • Ideal use cases for each platform

Whether you’re upgrading from spreadsheets or switching from another CRM, this guide will help you decide with confidence.

Body Content

Here’s how Salesforce and Dynamics 365 stack up:

1. Overview: What They Are

🔵 Microsoft Dynamics 365

  • A modular platform that includes CRM + ERP (Sales, Customer Service, Finance, SCM, HR)
  • Deeply integrated with Microsoft 365, Teams, and Azure
  • Strong on B2B, finance, and operational use cases

🟠 Salesforce

  • A cloud-first CRM suite focused on sales, service, marketing, and analytics
  • Built around a powerful low-code platform (Lightning, Flow)
  • Strong ecosystem with 7,000+ AppExchange apps

2. User Interface and Experience

Category Dynamics 365SalesforceUI Design Familiar to Microsoft users (M365 look)Intuitive, mobile-first layout Learning Curve Slightly steeper without M365 exposure Faster onboarding for non-tech users Navigation Unified across modules (ERP+CRM)Focused on CRM-specific objects and flows

📌 Verdict: Salesforce wins for standalone CRM ease; Dynamics wins for Microsoft-heavy orgs.

3. Integration Ecosystem

Dynamics 365

  • Seamless with Microsoft Teams, Outlook, Excel, SharePoint
  • Works well with Azure AI, Power BI, and Power Apps
  • Native dual-write to Finance, SCM, and HR modules

Salesforce

  • Massive third-party ecosystem via AppExchange
  • Strong integrations with Slack, Google Workspace, and MuleSoft
  • More plug-and-play SaaS connectors

📌 Verdict: Salesforce has a bigger app marketplace; Dynamics wins if you’re a Microsoft shop.

4. Customization and Flexibility

FeatureDynamics 365SalesforceLow-Code ToolsPower Apps + Power AutomateSalesforce Flow + App BuilderDeveloper Ecosystem.NET + AzureApex + Lightning ComponentsData Model FlexibilityCommon Data Model (CDM)Flexible object creation & layout

📌 Verdict: Salesforce is easier for custom apps; Dynamics wins for enterprise data model consistency.

5. Pricing and Cost of Ownership

  • 💵 Salesforce: Per-user pricing for each cloud (Sales, Service, Marketing, etc.). Add-ons increase total cost quickly.
  • 💰 Dynamics 365: More modular pricing; bundle ERP + CRM licenses; better value for large enterprises.

Typical Entry Pricing (as of 2025):

  • Salesforce Sales Cloud: $75–$325/user/month
  • D365 Sales: $65–$135/user/month

📌 Verdict: Dynamics wins on cost, especially when bundling with Microsoft 365 or ERP modules.

6. Ideal Use Cases

✅ Choose Dynamics 365 if:

  • You already use Microsoft 365, Teams, or Azure
  • You need CRM + ERP in one ecosystem
  • You work in manufacturing, logistics, or finance-heavy sectors
  • You want more control over data residency (via Azure)

✅ Choose Salesforce if:

  • You want best-in-class sales and service tools
  • You need rapid customization and app building
  • You rely on Slack or Google Workspace
  • Your marketing stack is already on Salesforce Marketing Cloud

7. What the Data Says

  • 🧠 63% of Dynamics customers say integration with Microsoft 365 is a top value driver
  • 📊 Salesforce users report 29% faster ramp-up for new reps
  • 🔄 Dynamics 365 users integrating ERP and CRM see 42% fewer data silos
  • 💸 Companies switching from Salesforce to Dynamics save 18–25% on TCO annually
  • 🌐 Salesforce leads in third-party app ecosystem by over 4,000 apps

Proso: CRM Experts Who Help You Decide

Still unsure which CRM is right for you?

Proso connects you with:

  • Salesforce and Dynamics 365 solution architects
  • CRM migration and implementation specialists
  • Cost-benefit analysts for ROI and TCO modeling
  • Workflow experts to design the right CRM experience
  • API and integration engineers for seamless tech stack fit

Example: A tech startup evaluated both platforms through Proso. A certified consultant ran workshops, mocked up dashboards in both platforms, and helped them choose Salesforce—tailored for a fast-moving GTM team.

Another case: A global distributor used Proso to shift from Salesforce to Dynamics 365 + Finance. They saved $250K in licensing, unified sales and supply chain, and improved forecasting accuracy by 30%.

“Proso didn’t just help us choose—they helped us choose well.”COO, Logistics Platform

Whether you’re migrating, optimizing, or buying new, Proso helps you align CRM to your business.

Get matched with a CRM strategist →

Conclusion & Future Outlook

Choosing between Salesforce and Dynamics 365 isn’t about which is “better”—it’s about which is better for you.

Salesforce is ideal for rapid iteration, sales performance, and marketing-first businesses. Dynamics 365 is perfect for organizations that need deep integration with Microsoft tools, ERP, or operational workflows.

What’s next?

  • 🧠 AI copilots in both platforms (Salesforce Einstein, Dynamics Copilot)
  • 📊 Predictive analytics that recommend next actions in real time
  • 📦 Composable CRM stacks where you mix and match features across clouds
  • 🔁 CRM-ERP convergence becoming more mainstream
  • 💬 Conversational CRM interfaces (Teams, Slack, voice)

Your move:

✅ Define your CRM goals (sales growth, customer support, operational synergy)
✅ Map your tech stack and existing vendor relationships
✅ Use Proso to consult with certified experts on both platforms
✅ Start with a pilot project or sandbox to explore the experience
✅ Align CRM selection with future scalability—not just current pain points

This blog will be updated with feature updates, licensing changes, and real-world CRM comparisons.

Because choosing a CRM isn’t just a decision—it’s a foundation.

Discuss your technology strategy and secure your future success

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